Hetton Lyons will have to show considerable improvement if they are to win the championship and achieve their ambition of joining the North East Premier League.

And secretary Michael Young is confident that a side has been put together during the close season which will give reigning champions Horden a good run.

"We have signed opening batsman Graham Hoban from Philadelphia and medium pacer Des Beach from Burnmoor. The pair have bags of experience and will add to both our batting and bowling," enthused Young.

The Lyons are equally pleased with the availability of wicketkeeper Graeme Martin and early-order batsman Gary Dawson. The two just about missed last season because of injuries.

South African Gerry Strydom is back for a second spell and Steve Errington is the new captain.

"We feel we are well placed to mount a challenge for the title. It will not be easy because Horden have won it three times in the last four seasons and in addition, Burnmoor and our near neighbours Eppleton are never far away but we will give it our best shot," added Young.

Tomorrow, Hetton Lyons could hardly have wished for an easier start, going to Seaham Harbour, who failed to record a single victory last season.

Horden again have the popular Pakistani all-rounder Nadeem Khan back to lead their defence of the championship. Last season, he was far and away the leading wicket-taker with 85 victims at a cost of just 11.3 runs apiece and he also scored more than 500 runs.

The Colliers, who host Durham City in their initial fixture, have recruited Stephen Edwards and Kevin Spanton from Durham.

Felling's opener is against Boldon, who have signed West Indian leg spinner Orlanzo Jackson. Felling, meanwhile, could find the going difficult without the vastly experienced Chris Pleasants.